Wolverhampton headteacher returns despite allowing student to sit exam before classmates

Carl Williams was suspended without prejudice while two independent investigations took place into exam conduct at Moreton School in Bushbury, Wolverhampton.

One investigation - which was independently run and initiated by Wolverhampton council - found Mr Williams had breached exam guidelines by allowing a male student to sit a GCSE English exam the night before other students.

But following a decision by the school's board of governors he returned to the school on Thursday to resume normal duties.

A letter sent out to parents from chair of governors Rob Hewer stated: "The independent investigation into alleged exam malpractice at Moreton School during the summer of 2015 has now been concluded.

"Only one allegation against the headteacher has now been substantiated and this was that a student had been allowed to sit an exam outside the published examination date and time.

"This was admitted by the headteacher at the start of the process and was concluded through appropriate school and local authority staffing procedures.

"The governors resolved that the headteacher should return to school on October 22 to resume full duties and responsibilities."

The letter added that the school 'would not be able to comment further or answer any more questions relating to this matter'.

However, Mr Williams still faces possible sanctions from exam board Edexcel, which is conducting its own investigation.

The board is set to hold a hearing next month to reveal the results of its inquiry. If the school is found to have been involved in exam regularities it could be stripped of its status as an exam centre.

Last month it emerged that 140 pupils at the school were left waiting for their exam results while the investigation rumbled on.

Governors say that all grades have now been released to students, a move which they say has enabled 'everyone to move forward'.

Julien Kramer, Wolverhampton council's director of education, said: "The council has worked closely with the governing board to support this investigation process which has now been concluded.

"It was helpful to have an independent investigator present throughout the process which has enabled the governing board to make its determination and which has now been communicated to parents.

"We now look forward to the school continuing its efforts to deliver excellent educational outcomes to its pupils."